Are You A Risk Taker?

What is Risk?  A good definition of risk is simply an action that exposes the possibility of loss or injury.  A few things we must know:

1. Risk is woven in the fabric of our finite lives

Risk is possible because we don't know how things will turn out.  This mean's God can take no risks. We are not God; we are ignorant. We don't know what will happen tomorrow. 

James 4: 13-15

 

2. Safety is a Myth

Because we do not know what tomorrow will bring, risk is woven into the fabric of our finite lives.  We cannot avoid risk even if we wanted to.  This paralyzing fear of the unknown is a mirage that causes many youth to waste their lives in the cause of Christ.

 

3.  Biblical examples of taking risks and trusting God

Esther 4: 15-16 - When the plot of Haman, one of Ahasuerus's chief princes was revealed, to exterminate all Jewish refugees, Mordecai sent word to Esther.  Esther however, knew there was a royal law that if anyone approached the king without being called would be put to death.  Esther sent her response to Mordecai "If I perish, I perish."  She chose to trust God.  This was right.

 

Daniel 3: 16-18 - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego responded these words to Nebuchadnezzar once he set up an image of gold and commanded that when the trumpet sounds, all the people will bow down to the image.  The did not know how this response would turn out, but they did believe that "God whom we serve is able to deliver us.."  They chose to trust God. This also was right.

 

Acts 21: 13,14 - Paul, making his way to Jerusalem, is in Caesarea, and a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Symbolically binding his own hands and feet with Paul's belt, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, this is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."  Would you still go if that was your belt? Would you die? Be imprisoned?  Paul was committed to Christ and said, 'Let the will of the Lord be done."

 

John 15: 20 - Jesus makes a startling statement to His followers of what lies ahead for all who follow Him, "A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." 

 

So, will you continue to live in fear and in the myth of safety or trust the Lord and take risks?

 

Read more out of John Piper's book, Don't Waste Your Life.